The concept has been propagated by certain writers that elevation of the radiation background due to nuclear testing and Chernobyl fallout skewed the sex ratio at birth towards more males. This hypothesis remains unproven and seems to camouflage the following tendencies exemplified here on the basis of the former Soviet Union. Almost all regions displayed an increase in the male/total ratio at birth from 1986 onwards. The highest ratios have been reported from the South Caucasus, being explained by the son preference and sexselective abortions. The same is probably true for the North Caucasus, where birthrate has been the highest in Russian Federation. Elevation of male/fenale ratios at birth coincided with the increasing availability of the prenatal ultrasonic gender testing.
Migrations further contribute to the gender imbalance: Shortage of men due to the emigration creates additional stimuli for sex-selective abortions in their native areas.
Male/female ratios at birth in developed countries are influenced by the immigration from regions with the son preference and gender imbalance: Immigrants bring their reproductive stereotypes with them. The predominance of males may contribute to antisocial behaviour and militarism. Nuclear facilities are potential targets in armed conflicts. One of the motives to exaggerate consequences of low-dose radiation exposures and threats to use nuclear weapons seems to be boosting fossil fuel prices. In more developed countries, antinuclear resentments have been supported by green activists, well in agreement with the interests of fossil fuel vendors, certain companies and governments.
There are no long-term alternatives to the nuclear energy: Nonrenewable fossil fuels will become more expensive, contributing to excessive population growth in the regions rich in fossil fuels and decreasing quality of life in the rest of the world.